It seems that in the pen aisles (my favorite aisle) of today's office supply stores the focus is on ink. Do you want ball point? Do you want gel? Do you want colored ink? Do you want black? There are so many pens in those aisles; does it have to be that complicated?

With a fountain pen, you basically just need to find the type of pen you like and then you can pick your ink. A bottle of ink will cost you about $6-$10 and will last for a really, really long time. The first photo is of a Lamy Safari (about $30). It is a great first fountain pen and one of my favorites. You can really beat it up.

Many fountain pen retailers are incredibly helpful. I shop at Appointments in Cincinnati, OH, and the owner has a book with a swash of EACH ink color available. And, he'll let you test any ink you fancy. Try before you buy! Try pulling that off in the pen aisle!